How To Style and Maintain Blunt Bangs

As far as hairstyles go, there’s nothing quite as timeless as blunt bangs. This straight-across style of fringe lends any look a chic and classic feel, and unlike many other types of bangs, works well across all hair types and textures. Plus, the sharply-cut style perfectly frames the face, allowing you to draw attention to your favorite features.

However, knowing how to style blunt fringe is imperative for that effortlessly pulled-together look. Here, we’ll show you how to do just that and share our top tips for choosing the right length for your face shape and hair texture.

What Are Blunt Bangs?

Blunt-cut bangs, sometimes called straight-across bangs, are a type of fringe in which the ends are all one length. There’s no layering or feathering at the ends or sides—instead, the hair is cut in a straight line along the forehead, typically just above or at the brow bone. Because of the straight-cut ends, blunt bangs are a popular style for those with naturally straight hair. However, the sharp, intentional cut can work well for those with wavy and textured hair, too.

What are blunt vs. curtain bangs?

Blunt bangs and curtain bangs are both considered a type of fringe, but that’s where the similarities end. Blunt-cut bangs, as we’ve explained, lay straight across the forehead and fall right around the brow. They’re meant to be neat and sharp—and, as a result, often require a bit of upkeep to maintain.

Curtain bangs, meanwhile, are a long and heavily layered type of fringe. They’re usually a bit shorter in the center than they are on the sides and are often worn with a middle part for a lived-in, face-framing effect. While blunt bangs are intentionally polished, curtain bangs have a softer, more bohemian vibe. They’re also, in many cases, lower-maintenance than classic straight-across fringe.

What Are the Benefits of Blunt Bangs?

One of the main benefits of blunt bangs is the style’s versatility: As mentioned, the straight-across cut can flatter a wide range of face shapes and hair types (more on that in a bit). Blunt-cut bangs are an especially great option for those who want to frame their face and create a sleek, polished look without having to spend too much time styling their hair in the morning. In many cases, a quick run-through with the flat iron or blow dryer is enough to make your fringe look sleek and polished.

Another major benefit of blunt bangs is that, like a blunt bob, the uniform length cut can make your hair appear thicker and fuller. If you have thin or fine hair—or simply want to embrace a more voluminous style—blunt bangs may be a great option worth considering.

Who Do Blunt Bangs Look Good On?

A blunt bang haircut can be flattering on nearly anybody, though the specific characteristics of the cut may vary depending on your face shape and hair type.

Those with longer face shapes—think rectangular or oval—will typically want to opt for longer fringe to help create harmony and balance their features. If your face is square-shaped or round, a slightly shorter fringe that hits just above the brow will typically provide the most flattering end result. If you’re wary of rocking a completely straight-across cut, you can also ask your stylist to arch the bangs slightly in the center. The slight curve can help to visually elongate your face and create a harmonious, flattering look.

In a similar vein, blunt-cut bangs can work well for every hair type, though the amount of effort to style your fringe will vary depending on your hair type and texture. Those with thick, straight hair may be able to wash their hair and go: the straight-across style is a perfect low-maintenance cut for those with this hair type. If your hair is wavy or curly, you can still rock straight-across fringe—just be sure to visit an experienced hairstylist who can tailor the cut for your unique curl or wave pattern.

How To Style Blunt Bangs

There are plenty of ways to style blunt bangs, and in most cases, coaxing them into shape doesn’t require much effort. Here are three simple—and ultra-flattering—ways to rock blunt fringe.

1. Sleek and straight

Straight blunt bangs make for a sleek, polished, and timeless look. To create this look, you’ll likely need a few tools—specifically, a thin flat iron, a round brush, and a heat protectant, such as the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, which protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mist the frizz-fighting formula onto damp hair, then blow dry your hair straight. For a chic French girl feel, you can also use the round brush to curl the ends inward slightly. When drying your bangs, place the round brush on the under side of your fringe—this will help create lift and volume and prevent your fringe from falling flat.

Once your fringe is completely dry, run through your bangs a few times with a thin straightener or mini flat iron to get that super sharp, straight, razor-edge bang. If your hair tends to get frizzy throughout the day or you want to ensure the sleek finish stays intact, mist your finished style with a lightweight hairspray, such as the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray.

2. Natural and wavy

If you prefer heat-free styling, consider embracing your natural texture with wavy blunt cut bangs. For this look, all you’ll need is the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse. Apply a dollop of the mousse to damp bangs. Then, use your hands to scrunch your bangs and allow them to air-dry naturally for a laid-back, lived-in feel. You can wear this effortless style with your hair down, tucked into a low bun, or pulled into a high messy ponytail—the natural-looking fringe pairs perfectly with a wide range of looks.

3. Textured and messy

If you want to embrace an edgier style, try this take on the classic blunt bang. Style your lengths as usual, then work a dime-sized amount of the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty throughout your (dry) bangs. The workable hair pomade creates messy, piecey texture and definition with a clean, matte finish. Pair your textured blunt fringe with an equally tousled short shag haircut for a seriously cool twist on the classic bob.

How To Care for Blunt Bangs

While styling blunt bangs doesn’t require too much elbow grease, the same can’t be said for maintaining them. Since this cut is sharp and precise, you’ll want to schedule regular haircuts at the salon to ensure your blunt bangs stay, well, blunt. There is no universal guide to how often you should cut your hair—it depends on your hair texture and how quickly your hair grows—but we recommend scheduling time for a bang trim roughly once every three to four weeks to keep the cut looking sharp.

Bangs may also start to look greasier faster than the rest of your hair, especially if you have oilier skin. If you don’t want to lather up every day, you can lean on dry shampoo to help keep greasy roots at bay. Or, clip up your lengths and just wash your bangs at the sink to keep build-up at bay.

Choosing the right haircare products can also help ensure your bangs look fresh, rather than greasy. If you’re prone to oiliness, consider switching out your go-to products for a system designed for oily scalps. The L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Purifying Shampoo and coordinating L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Rehydrating Conditioner get our vote—the salicylic acid-infused duo gently cleanses hair and removes buildup, leaving strands feeling hydrated for up to 72 hours. If you’re in need of an extra deep clean, pre-treat your scalp with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil Erasing Serum for Oily Hair, which is formulated to minimize excess oils and remove up to 100% of residue for pure, fresh-feeling strands.

Next Up: 16 of The Best Haircuts for Wavy Hair

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris